“Coach Jefferson gets a lot of credit,” said Wright, who led the Titans in receptions and receiving yards this season. “He helped me so much as far as running routes, keeping my eyes on the ball and staying focused. Just doing all the little things right. It definitely would have hurt us to lose him. … It would have been hard on everybody, really.”

Indications are Arthur Smith (offensive line/tight ends assistant) and Jonathan Gannon (defensive assistant/ quality control) also will be retained, although their long-term fate could hinge on who Whisenhunt hires as coordinators.

Jefferson, who played wide receiver in the NFL for 13 years, joined the Titans last offseason after six seasons with the Lions. He quickly drew attention with his fiery manner on the practice field, but his methods made an impact.

In addition to Wright’s jump in production — 30 more catches and 453 more yards than he produced as a rookie in 2012 — Justin Hunter had a productive rookie season with 18 catches for 354 yards and four touchdowns.

Kenny Britt was the lone disappointment of the corps, playing in 12 games and posting only 11 catches for 96 yards.

“We just got Coach Jefferson last year, and while he gets on us, we love him,” Wright said. “The way he impacts everyone in the locker room — not just the receivers — with his passion, it is good to have a guy like that around. You need guys like that around.”

Croom is also coming off his first season with the Titans and his 22nd season as an NFL assistant coach. The Titans had the NFL’s 14th best rushing attack in 2013, averaging 118.4 yards per game.

What remains to be seen is which running backs Croom will be coaching, since Chris Johnson’s $8 million salary puts his roster spot in serious jeopardy. Running back Shonn Greene is expected to remain on the roster, however.

Watterson has been the team’s strength and conditioning coach since 1986.

Despite problems on special teams in 2013, it’s clear that general manager Ruston Webster endorsed retaining Kaczor and Hoffman.

The return game was shaky early in the season with Darius Reynaud and then Devon Wylie, but it was much better after the Titans signed veteran Leon Washington for the final five games.

The Titans finished ranked in the top 10 in kickoff return average (eighth) and punt coverage (third) but were bottom-10 in punt return average (24th) and kick coverage (23rd). Kicker Rob Bironas and punter Brett Kern turned in solid seasons.

Many of the coaches from Munchak’s staff were informed on Wednesday they would not be retained.

They include defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, who had an expiring contract after three seasons. Senior assistant/defense Gregg Williams, who had a one-year deal, is also out. The Titans were 14th in total defense this season.

Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, offensive line coach Bruce Matthews, quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone and tight ends coach George Henshaw were not retained despite having time remaining on their contracts. The Titans finished 22nd in total offense.

Defensive line coach Tracy Rocker, secondary coach Brett Maxie, linebackers coach Chet Parlavecchio and defensive assistant/pass rush specialist Keith Millard are also out. All had expired deals, with the exception of Parlavecchio and weren’t offered a chance to return.